What does the future hold for Robertson Road as a community hub at Newport now that the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel has approved a corner site development plan?
The development plan at 351-353 Barrenjoey Road, Newport has been a controversial one with locals opposing it along with another proposed development at 349 Barrenjoey Road, which has already been withdrawn last year.
The $7-million development proposal involves the establishment of a three-storey shop top housing comprising eight retail shops and13 Residential units. The existing buildings will need to be knocked down and excavation works for a 50-space basement car park to be undertaken to facilitate the development.
Local resident Simon Barlow and his group “Save Robertson Road” are proposing for owners of Robertson Road and adjoining properties to consider a coordinated approach to development in accordance with the Newport Masterplan. The group was formed to advocate for the retention of Robertson Road as a community and entertainment hub.
Proposed site | Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council / eservices.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Newport Residents Association echoed the sentiments of the group. NRA has from the drafting of the Newport Village Masterplan been opposing development proposals that do not adhere to the concept of the Masterplan.
In its response to the Design and Sustainability Advisory Panel (DSAP) meeting, Crawford Architects said (among other clarifications):
“Crawford Architects have already demonstrated our commitment to parking solutions and community concern with the provision plans that show great flexibility of the building to respond to future connectivity requirements. This is either to serve adjacent properties, create access where Robertson Road becomes fully pedestrianised, or as needed as a link to connect the post office site as the long term future access for all, to the site to the north (along Barrenjoey Road).”
“Furthermore, Crawford Architects have already removed a level of parking, as per previous DSAP request, and as agreed by council, which has multiple benefits (all previously outlined).”
“Each of the initial concerns raised by Council during the assessment of the application have been addressed by way of amended plans and additional information, and the applicant has provided an appropriate response to address the community concerns regarding vehicular impact on Robertson Road (whilst maintaining the reasonable development rights of the land in accordance with the DCP)..,” the Assessment Report said.
Despite the amendments to the plan, the NRA says that real changes in the revised plan are lacking.
“There is still no side boundary top level 3m setback (overlooking the arcade at 353 Barrenjoey Rd, just a blank wall). Also, the LEP breach encroaching into the 8.5m height limit facing Robertson Rd is now greater!!!,” the NRA said.
Proposed Shop Top Housing | Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council / eservices.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Newport Residents Association further stressed that the “major issue is the car park entry is in the same place at the westernmost end of the development in Robertson Rd.”
“These breaches contribute to the reason for the development being too intensive for the site. We are disappointed that the council is allowing these breaches of the Newport Masterplan which again set precedents for the future.”
On 11 February 2022, the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel approved DA2020/1756 despite opposition from the community including Pittwater ward Councillors Rory Amon, Miranda Corzy and Michael Gencher.
“The possible approval of this development would be a devastating blow to the thousands of residents, represented by the hundreds of submissions made,” Councillor Rory Amon’s submission said.
“Thereafter, I call on Council to seek to update the Newport Masterplan to better reflect community wishes for Robertson Road and continue to work with landowners to achieve the best outcome for the community. This will not be an easy or simple process. But, we owe it to our community, past, present and future, to work as hard as we can, for as long as we need so as to achieve the best outcome.”
Councillor Miranda Korzy explained that “the council dismisses ‘a consolidated approach’ to planning for Robertson Road on the basis that it has contacted other property owners in the vicinity, not all of whom say they are in a position to develop imminently alongside the subject site.”
Mr Barlow said that NBLPP in approving the application, totally ignored Robertson Road being a significant site for community activity as well as the overwhelming opposition as shown by more than 400 submissions and more than 1,000 signatures supporting the petition to save the site.
